Welcome to RNI!
Previous and current updates to the RNI In 1999 pages can be found
Here:
Update 1
Update 2
Current
Lightship Number Eighteen
The ship being used for RNI in 1999, the former Trinity House lightship
'Number 18' - affectionately known as 'Mebo 3' for the duration of the
broadcast.
The Vessel was built by Philip & Son Ltd, Dartmouth, Devon. Her keel was laid in 1957; she is 581 grt and is 114 feet long. In addition to a galley/mess she has 9 cabins. A plan of the ship is shown below.
Lightship Number 18 is currently being refurbished, moored alongside the Railway Quay at Harwich in Essex. Please do not attempt to get onto the quay. There is no public access due to works in progress. A clear view of the ship can be gained from the main harbour sea-front at Harwich.
Work over the past week has been primarily of a cleaning/restoration nature - (we didn't know things could rust so comprehensively!!!)
| Freeing up the port winch | Checking the light-fittings below decks | Clive's personal fitness programme! "I've never done this at home" |
We will be keeping you updated on the progress of works. This coming week the main task is chipping the old paint off the hull, which will, in due course, be painted a lovely shade of green.
It should be stressed that all work is being carried out by volunteers. Similarly, all jocks and crew throughout the month of broadcasting are giving their services free as the principal aim of the project is to raise funds for the RNLI.
We've been absolutely knocked-out by the support todate.
Companies that have offered sponsorship of the project so far:
Several local concerns are already booking ads but if any businesses or individuals can assist with sponsorship or would like details of ad-rates, or would even like to sponsor these pages then please contact project-leader Paul Graham on 01255 672531 (international +44 1255 672531).
The two sides to Paul Graham:
News of the project is certainly travelling quickly and our thanks go to A J Beirens and Martin van der Ven who cantacted web-site manager Graham Vine with the correct spelling of the continental jocks' names.
Also Paul Graham received a telephone call from RNI's original owner Edwin Bollier saying how delighted he was that RNI was to be revived and giving the project his full support.
If you have any memories of RNI please take advantage of our web-site and email us at rni@btinternet.com
RNI will broadcast for 28 days, commencing on the 3rd of August. Tune to 190 metres (1575 kHz), medium wave to relive the exciting days of Radio Northsea International!
At 0001 hrs on August 3rd, test transmissions will commence until 0600 hrs when Alan West will relaunch RNI.
Next update:- due during week commencing June 7th 1999.
Many thanks to Colin Lamb for much of the material contained on these pages.